EUROVISION star Engelbert Humperdinck, a surprise choice to represent the UK at the annual song contest in May, insists he remains a sex symbol to many women.

He said: "I still occasionally get knickers thrown at me, yes. What I should do is throw mine at them." jokingly he said.

The Brit - who lives in Los Angeles for part of the year, insisted that despite his fame, he is down to earth and loves nothing more than a pint of bitter when he is back in the UK. He said: "I love the beer. When I come home I must get it out of my system by having a pint of bitter and bag of crisps.

His bid for Eurovision glory suffered a blow yesterday when it was revealed the UK's entrant will sing FIRST. He is being made 8^th favourite by bookies prolonging his odds to win from 14-1 to 16-1.

Many a times, singing first is one of the worst slots as viewers may have forgotten the song by voting time. He admitted: "It is tough to come out of the box first but that's what I have to accept. If your first impression is a good one hopefully this will carry through the competition."

Engelbert's Eurovision song — called Love Will Set You Free and likened by some to the Big Fat Gypsy Weddings theme tune — was released on Monday. He said: "My aim is to keep it classy. I hope I can live up to the standards my country is looking for."